Crystal Palace thrilled to make USA return for 'growing' American fanbase

Steve Parish hailed Crystal Palace’s “growing American fanbase” as the club announced a pre-season tour to the United States.

The Eagles will face Wolves in Annapolis, Maryland on July 31 before a game against London rivals West Ham on August 3 in Tampa, Florida.

Palace visit Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday and host Aston Villa on the final day of the season, and players not involved in Euro 2024 or the Copa America will then be given a number of weeks off before the US trip.

It is the second successive year that Palace’s pre-season tour has been in the United States, with American co-owners John Textor, Josh Harris and David Blitzer having grown the Eagles’ following across the pond in recent years.

The meeting with the Hammers will take place at the Raymond James Stadium, the 69,000-seater home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are owned by the Glazer family.

“After such a brilliant tour last year, we are delighted to be returning to the United States once again this summer”, Palace chairman Parish said.

“As a club, we are always hugely appreciative of the support that we receive over in the US, and we hope our growing fanbase will enjoy the chance to join us in Annapolis and Tampa for two exciting matches against Premier League opposition.

“I know our US-based supporters will give (manager) Oliver [Glasner] and his team a warm welcome as they step up preparations for the 2024/25 season.”